National Collective Of
Independent Women’s Refuges Inc.

Media Release – 23 November 2007

Rickards Departure Long Overdue

Women’s Refuge says it is extraordinary it has taken Clint Rickards so long to realise that remaining in the police was untenable.

The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, Heather Henare, says Mr Rickards departure is long overdue as his continued employment in the police been completely unacceptable.

“His insistence on remaining on the payroll and wanting to resume his duties has angered a lot of women.”

“Many people will wonder why he’s chosen to jump now just before his internal disciplinary hearing, when he has been so adamant he had done nothing wrong.”

“It is bizarre to hear him talking now about the importance of maintaining public confidence in the force, when earlier this year he was so critical of the police who investigated the complaints of Louise Nicholas.”

Mrs Henare says his comment that convicted rapists Bob Schollum and Brad Shipton should not be in jail showed he was unfit to remain in his job and that he had no real appreciation of their crime or their victim.

“This whole situation has damaged public confidence in the police and seriously hurt their credibility. I hope they learn lessons from it and something like this is never allowed to drag on for again for so long.”

“The personal toll on Louise Nicholas and the other women involved has been enormous and their bravery and courage has been incredible – we owe them great thanks for what they have done.”

ENDS

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